According to the injury expert, the defender’s best-case scenario is a Grade 1 or 2 injury that won’t keep him out for very long.
When the Dutch defender last appeared for the Whites, it was in a 2-1 loss to Preston North End in December.
Physical therapy and sports scientist Brar, who was speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, described Struijk as having a Grade 1 or 2 injury at best and a Grade 4 rupture at worst.
Surgery is usually reserved for situations of multiple reinjuries or prolonged pain and discomfort lasting months to years following groyne injuries.”He could be out for several weeks due to a Grade 4 rupture.”
This season, Struijk has made 23 league appearances under Daniel Farke, playing every time he is fit.
He has become one of the Whites’ most vital first-team players after scoring three goals and playing outstanding defence.
Joe Rodon, Liam Cooper’s partner at centre back for Leeds, fills in for him.
In related developments:
Leeds United: Leo Hjelde wanted by Sunderland in deadline-busting January deal
Sunderland is interested in signing Leeds United defender Leo Fuhr Hjelde on a late January loan, with Alan Nixon reporting that Sunderland needs Hjelde to cover both left and centre back.
Even though both teams are vying for promotion, Leeds could approve the defender’s loan move, according to a Sun journalist’s Patreon post on 28.
Hjelde started the opening-day Championship match against Cardiff City, but he has played under-21 football for the most of this season.
Leeds should let him go
Hjelde’s long-term future at Elland Road may not be at Elland Road, as evidenced by the fact that he was demoted to the academy squad and hasn’t played for Daniel Farke’s club since that opening day start in Cardiff.
A 20-year-old playing under-21 football is fine, but his early season in the first team appeared to be a sign of a breakthrough season. However, Farke’s position has been made clear by his decision to start two goalkeepers on his bench instead of Hjelde in the FA Cup match against Plymouth.
Leeds may be hesitant to bolster their team because Sunderland, owned by billionaire Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, could prove to be a promotion contender despite a recent decline in play under Michael Beale.
But since Hjelde hasn’t been involved at Elland Road, the club need to let him go now that this opportunity has presented itself.
In addition, a loan would allow him the chance to play regularly at this level and possibly demonstrate his value in preparation for a prospective promotion to Leeds’ first team or a permanent departure from the team.
